Feeling welcome
Arlie and Patrice Adolfo’s transition to life and work in a new country has been made easier by the kind people of Pictou County.
NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — Arlie and Patrice Adolfo, who come from the Philippines and who both work at Glen Haven Manor as LPNs, remain connected and proud of their homeland, yet their journey to Canada has given them another special place they have grown to love — Pictou County.
The young couple has found for the past year and a half that Canada is a family-oriented country, which is important to them, that people are respectful and kind, and that this community felt like home right away.
They describe Glen Haven as the perfect place to land, as the people have been welcoming and supportive. Both were registered nurses in their home country and were willing to begin their career, knowing they could not enter as nurses without Canadian qualifications. They loved their work as CCAs and have since earned their Canadian LPN designation while now studying for Canadian RN credentials.
“Staff here are great,” says Arlie. “We have worked with both rotations and they are really kind to us. They told us it will be like family and it is.”
They say co-workers, such as Jim MacKenzie, a veteran CCA, was like a dad to them, and staff in other departments, such as Barry Pothier in nutritional services and Scotty Richards in maintenance, were extra friendly and welcoming right from the beginning.
“The scariest thing is worrying about how people will treat you,” adds Arlie. “We are accepted here by our co-workers and they also help us. The residents are also very accepting. Coming from a foreign country is a big adjustment. We are fortunate our workplace is Glen Haven. It is a welcoming work environment and very accommodating.”
When asked why they chose a nursing profession, Patrice explains with a smile.
“Filipinos are innately helpful and if you are medically inclined you are drawn to a career where you can help people. In the Philippines we are close to the elderly in our families. It is part of the culture. Often, they live with your family or very close by. I also want to be more knowledgeable, and to be able to take care of my family.”
Arlie says he wanted to be an engineer or accountant but because of his mother’s encouragement he decided on nursing.
“She knew the field was booming and that we wanted to go abroad. I find it a fulfilling job. Canada has good health care. I liked helping patients and now residents. I love it,” he says.
“We wanted to take care of people,” adds Patrice. “There is a manageable workload here. In the Philippines the workload is very heavy.”
“We are lucky to be here,” agrees Arlie. “It is very good and we feel accepted at Glen Haven.
Working here is a great opportunity. Taking care of people — it is what we like doing. Families here are good. They also reach out and visit often.
It is good to see families get together. Our co-workers are approachable and nice. We are brought up to respect and value our elders.”
A person who enjoys meeting a wide variety of people, Arlie finds it difficult to say goodbye.
“When a resident transfers or passes, I miss them,” he says.
Patrice and Arlie agree the hardest part of moving to a new country is being away from family.
“We can adjust to the weather,” Arlie says chuckling, shaking his head about the snow and cold. “Technology helps to keep us in contact with family. We hope they might come here in the future.”
Relatives from other parts of Canada and the U.S. have travelled to Pictou County to check in on the Adolfos’ new home, bringing things for them to use in the winter.
“My aunt and uncle in Brampton were worried about us, but we found a home we love,” says Patrice.
“Canada is very beautiful in many different ways,” adds Arlie. “People have been good to us. Coming from a foreign country is a big adjustment.” Both miss their parents, siblings and grandparents and say being around residents makes them think of their “sweet grandparents.”
The two say they are together 99 per cent of the time, whether it is working, watching TV, driving, having meals with friends or exploring.
“It’s perfect to be together,” says Arlie.
“If it has been a hard day, he is my strength,” Patrice adds, holding her hand to her heart and looking at her husband. She says the best part about being in Nova Scotia is being on the journey with Arlie.
“I wouldn’t ask for anyone else to ever share it with,” she says.
The two recently bought an Outlander, a big purchase but one they both wanted, that will enable safe driving in Canadian winters and to do lots of exploration. During their time off, they enjoy exploring their new home province and country and have visited the south shore, Cape Breton, P.E.I., New Brunswick and Quebec, in addition to all around Pictou County since their arrival last August.
Arlie and Patrice also take notice of how a positive work environment has helped to make their transition and ability to enhance their Canadian education.
“We were very eager to pursue continuing care careers,” says Patrice. “Even after a long shift you feel like you have done something worthwhile.”
“A thank you from the resident or a family makes it all worth it,” adds Arlie. “The staff here know the residents well.”
Patrice and Arlie are looking to the future and hope to someday have a baby, and want to assure stability to provide for their child. Explaining that they both come from strict families with good values, Patrice adds, “We are thankful for them for being compassionate, happy for us and grateful.”
“Without their support we wouldn’t be here,” Arlie says.
The young couple appreciate both the big things and the small things in life.
“Patrice is my best friend. I am blessed,” states Arlie.
“It means a great deal to have a partner that listens. I can tell him anything,” Patrice says beaming. “I am also thankful for our families, the residents and my work.”
Arlie sums it up nicely: “We are our own family and our families are proud of us. It is a good journey to be on together. We know we can make it.”